Sinners and Saints?

Yes, we are all sinners, and according to God’s Word, we are also all called to be saints! Actually today’s holiday, Halloween, is rooted in the Christian “All Hallows Eve,” or the eve of All Saints Day (another word for saints is “hallows.”) I truly believe that sainthood isn’t just for certain people…it’s for each and every one of us if we just keep striving to be out best selves, help and serve others to the best of our abilities, and to know and serve the Lord with all our minds, hearts and souls. Not an easy task. Some days (particularly on Mondays!) it seems hard enough just to “suit up and show up” to work and get through the day. It’s one of the reasons I chose Monday mornings to write my blog. Reading and writing about God’s Word and how it applies in our lives today makes me start the week off right and focus on my spirituality and how I can grow in it…instead of just trying to get by.  And I hope it helps you too. God calls us to so much more than what we can even imagine some days in our limited human view, and He promises our reward will be great in heaven, and even here on earth.  “…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (Cor 1:2-3) Grace and peace…that’s all I need today. And if we feel alone on the path sometimes, we can remember that we actually have the faithfully departed and saints in heaven praying for us, cheering us on! (Picture one of your loved ones in heaven, cheering you on!) Today, we only have to use our talents and gifts to serve others; to converse (pray) with Him and to listen (meditate) on His Word; and  to try to walk in His ways. To that end, Jesus gives us a lot of direction through the Gospels…in the parables, and in particular, the Beatitudes which is the reading for the All Saints Mass tomorrow. Perhaps, if we can find ourselves in one of the Beatitudes (are we meek, mourning, merciful, lowly, a peace maker?) we can see that we too are called to be saints:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:3-12). Lord, help me to aspire to be holy, a saint in the making, and to rejoice and be glad! Happy All Hallows Eve!